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Donald L. Mathews, 78

He was born Nov. 26, 1933, at Tama, the son of Laura Etta (Swander) and Russell Raymond Mathews, who are deceased. On Aug. 4, 1962, he married Ruth A. Morehead, who survives.

Also surviving are three sisters, Elaine (Don) Turner, of Rockford, Ill., Loretta (Ed) Rostorfer, of Lansing, Mich., and Janet (Don) Schwartz, of Sidney; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was a 1951 graduate of Blume High School in Wapakoneta. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Ohio University in 1957 and his master’s degree in mathematics from Indiana University in 1966. During this time he also served in the army for two years.

Don was a math and science teacher at Buckskin Valley High School from 1957 to 1962.

From 1962 to 1985, he taught mathematics at Fostoria High School, where he was senior advisor, national honor advisor, and mathematics department head.

After retiring from public school teaching, he taught mathematics at the University of Findlay from 1985 to 2003. Several years he also served as the math and computer science chairman.

Mathews was selected as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar in 1970, a leader of American Secondary Education in 1971, and Teacher of the Year, Fostoria Jayteens in 1977. He has been a member of Phi Delta Kappa for 14 years, Fostoria Education Association, Ohio Education Association and National Education Association.

His hobbies included farming, reading, traveling and amusing everyone with his story telling.

He leaves behind his wife, Ruth, of 49 years.

Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home,301 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria. Burial is to be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, conributions may be made to the Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria.